The only word that can describe the H4 "Hercules" is ginormous.

8.6 hours in a C150. That is a long time. Highlights of the trip included visiting the Hughes H4- Hercules and attempting STOL operations that I decided were impossible at gross weight at high density altitude with wind shear in a tight mountain ravine airport.

The entire trip was done over two days. The first day was 4.8 hours and went from Seattle to Portland, fuel in McMinnville, over Eugene, attempted landing at Oakridge and the back to Eugene.

The return was 3.8 hours and was from Eugene, fuel in McMinnville, over Portland and then to Seattle.

Enough good things can not be said about the Garmin 496... especially the XM radio part. Listening to some music on the long legs really helped. The PMA audio panel would automagicaly mute the input audio when talking or receiving transmission. There are a few things that would change about the unit, but a full reviewing post will come later.

Is this thing on? tap, tap... tap, tap...

The blog was upgraded to the new beta version of Blogger today. If anyone has problems with the page let me know via email or comments.

Upgrading allowed a massive cleanup to the HTML/CSS code template that I had heavily modified. The new system also allows for much easier addition, movement, editing and subtraction of the embeded HTML in the sidebar.

Posts also now can get tagged with a few words that describe the nature of the post like "blog", "vacation", "construction tip", ect. This should make it easier for people to filter out stuff that isn't directly construction related. In addition, the archives widget is now more useful.

The layout is going to get tweaked over the next several days. Please leave feedback about what you like and hate.